Cooking Instructor, School Break Camps

Be a role model. Share your passion!

Do you love cooking, experimenting with flavors, and sharing your passion for food — and want to inspire kids in the kitchen? JCC Greater Boston is looking for enthusiastic Cooking Instructors to design and lead engaging culinary activities for children in grades K–5 at our School Break Camps (December, February, Passover, and April school breaks). Specialists are role models who create safe, inclusive, and fun program areas where kids can explore, learn, and build confidence through hands‑on cooking experiences.

You’ll spend your day bringing the kitchen to life — whether that’s teaching basic cooking skills, guiding campers through recipes, exploring fun food science experiments, or helping them create delicious dishes. You’ll plan age‑appropriate activities, adapt them to meet the needs of different campers, and keep things safe, engaging, and fun. Beyond your specialty, you’ll also be part of the camp team: helping with transitions, supporting special events, and ensuring every camper feels included, supported, and inspired.

• Smoothies
• Cookies
• Salsa
• Salads
• And More!

• December Camp:
  December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31 and January 2
• February Camp:
  February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
• Passover Camp:
  April 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Spring Break Camp:
  April 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Candidates do not need to commit to all dates. Staff are scheduled by the day and shift.

• Full Day 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 8 hours
• Morning Shift 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, 8 hours
• Afternoon Shift 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, 8 hours

• Plan, prepare, and lead age‑appropriate activities in your specialty area
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of campers during activities
• Create a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages skill‑building and exploration
• Work in partnership with counselors and camp leadership to provide a cohesive, positive camper experience
• Maintain, organize, and request necessary supplies and equipment
• Adapt activities to meet the needs and abilities of diverse campers
• Support camp‑wide special events and large‑group programming as assigned
• Assist with overall camp operations as needed (drop‑off/pick‑up, transitions, lunch, supervision, etc.)

• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued and respected
• Actively participate as an essential team member
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration, and transformation, including through role modeling
• Enthusiastically represent the organization, model excellence and achievement
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

This is an hourly position with a daily schedule of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. The pay rate is $20 per hour, ultimately determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC’s internal equity.

• High school degree preferred
• College degree, concentration, certification, or equivalent experience in cooking, nutrition, or related field preferred
• 1+ season (summer camp, semester, other) instructor experience planning and leading activities for children
• Customer service experience preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria.

• Genuine enjoyment of working with children and helping them grow
• Passion and expertise in your specialty area (arts, sports, music, cooking, science, etc.)
• Ability to plan and lead age‑appropriate, engaging, and inclusive activities
• Excellent group management skills
• Strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills with campers and staff
• Safety awareness and ability to manage risks during activities
• Creativity, flexibility and patience to adapt activities for diverse camper needs
• Positive, energetic attitude and commitment to fostering an inclusive, joyful camp environment
• Proactive problem‑solving and willingness to ask for guidance when needed
• Self‑starter who takes initiative
• Must be able to work well with others, building and…